Identity Theft in Elections Now History as BVAS Delivers 99% Transparency — INEC
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, has affirmed that voter impersonation and multiple voting are now effectively eradicated from Nigeria’s electoral process following the nationwide deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
This was E-signed by Dayo Oketola
Chief Press Secretary to the Hon. Chairman, INEC Abuja, November 18, 2025
Speaking at the 2025 Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibitions in Abuja on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Prof. Amupitan represented by National Commissioner Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu said the BVAS has become a “foolproof verification mechanism” that guarantees the integrity of voter accreditation.
According to him, “The BVAS device has become our frontline defence against identity fraud, ensuring that only the rightful and eligible voter can be accredited at the polling unit. With biometric safeguards fully activated, voter impersonation has been effectively eliminated from our electoral system.
BVAS and IReV Deliver Near-Perfect Performance
Addressing a hall of policymakers, tech innovators, and civil society leaders, the INEC Chairman presented performance data from the recent Anambra Governorship Election.
He disclosed that all 6,879 BVAS devices deployed for the polls functioned optimally, with over 99% of polling unit results successfully uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal on Election Day.
“These outcomes confirm that the deployment of BVAS and IReV is no longer experimental but an entrenched part of Nigeria’s electoral architecture. The figures announced at polling units are the same figures publicly visible. Technology has safeguarded the vote,” he said.
Electoral Act 2022 Gave Digital Tools ‘Legal Teeth’
Prof. Amupitan noted that previous innovations lacked statutory backing, creating loopholes exploited at election tribunals. The turning point, he said, came with Section 47(2) of the Electoral Act 2022, which elevated the BVAS from a procedural guideline to a legally protected pillar of the electoral process.
“This legislative foundation ensures that our digital tools enjoy both operational and legal legitimacy. It has strengthened public trust and empowered the Commission to innovate with confidence,” he stated.
Connectivity Remains a Major Challenge
While highlighting the successes, the INEC Chairman admitted that technology alone is not a complete solution. Nigeria’s uneven telecommunications infrastructure remains a major obstacle to seamless operations in remote polling locations.
“With 176,846 polling units across terrains ranging from swamps to mountains and remote communities, achieving real-time transmission of results remains one of our toughest challenges. A tool like BVAS is only as good as the network it runs on,” he explained.
He added that INEC is in active discussions with the NCC and network providers while exploring alternative connectivity technologies to overcome the bottlenecks.
INEC Rules Out Return to Manual Accreditation
Prof. Amupitan delivered a firm message to political actors: there will be no reversal to manual accreditation.
“The gains we have recorded are too significant to reverse. Manual systems were vulnerable to human interference. We have moved forward, and we do not intend to look back,” he said, noting that INEC is already working toward more advanced, seamless digital solutions.
Ghost Voting Now History
As the conference concluded, the INEC Chairman reiterated that the notorious era of “ghost voters” is permanently over.
“Our mission is simple: to ensure every eligible voter is accurately verified, every vote properly counted, and every result transparently shared. Technology has secured these foundations of democracy,” he stated.
